Switzerland’s Motorsport Aktuell is claiming that Felipe Massa may have been forced to agree to a ‘Barrichello clause’ in his newly re-signed agreement with Ferrari that sees him continue with the team to the end of the 2012 season.

Despite recent speculation linking Robert Kubica and Mark Webber to the second Ferrari seat and on the back of a lukewarm season for the Brazilian to-date, Ferrari – to the surprise of a few – decided the devil they knew was better than one they didn’t and kept the Brazilian on board.

The Swiss publication is reporting speculation that on of the conditions of the 11-time Grand Prix winner’s new contract was that he act as the number-two driver to team-mate Fernando Alonso.

The ‘Barrichello clause’ was coined as a reference to Michael Schumacher’s long-suffering term team-mate at Ferrari, who was often forced to play second fiddle to the multiple World Champion during their time as team-mates between 2000 and 2005.

Massa has reportedly rubbished the rumours, while Fernando has refused to dignify them with a comment.